Ireland's Next Top Model winner reveals the darker side of modelling competitions
Kristine was proud to represent Ireland in Egypt at the Top Model of the World pageant
Having finished in the top five of the Top Model Of The World pageant, gorgeous Kristine Subrovska has not only made friends for life with fellow contestants but she's also seen up close what a cut-throat business it can be.
Dubliner Kristine recently won Ireland's Next Top Model and she has graciously opened up her talents to give aspiring young women a shot at making it in the beauty world through her agency The Model Method.
Kristine flew to Egypt to take part in the contest, which was won by Miss Colombia.
'I bonded quite well with the girls, who were super lovely,' she says.
'There was a white dress round, swimwear round and then a ballgown round.
'The girls were introduced beforehand, they give a bio on screen as you're on stage
'Of course, coming closer to the finals you could really feel the tension between the girls, it got more intense, because at the end of the day while we're all lovely and friendly we're all there for the same reason.
'There are other titles in it as well, you have Miss Social, Miss Reputable, Miss Photogenic.'
Kristine was proud to represent Ireland in Egypt at the Top Model of the World pageant
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th
But Kristine also got to see a darker side.
'On the day of the finals, we had a final rehearsal, there were dresses cut up, there were rumours going around of girls sleeping with judges to get a higher ranking, there was make-up all over bikinis. It just got really nasty closer to the time,' she reveals.
Kristine, who was born in Latvia but grew up in Citywest, had the full support of her fiance in the competition.
Ireland's Next Top Model is run by Michael Martin Byrne, who also owns the Merrion and Dawson Spas in Dublin, of which Kristine is co-owner.
The Merrion branch sees a string of celebrities visiting, with Celebrity Big Brother winner Big Zhu and his fellow rapper cousin AJ Tracey popping in last weekend before they appeared at the Longitude festival.
'Michael has over a decade of experience in the field and has the right contacts to make this Ireland's leading pageant,' Kristine says.
'To take part you need to be confident, you need to have a certain aura around you. You don't necessarily need experience in modelling, but you do need to have confidence, that's one thing the judges need to look at.
'It's not just wearing the crown and saying, 'I'm the queen, I'm the winner' or whatever the case is, it's more than that', like you will be asked to go work with charities, you will be asked to work closely with your community.'
Kristine Subrovska.
'Like my chosen one is children, and I'm meeting Ronald McDonald House again this week. We'd like to see the community also getting involved with it, if it's children, it's animals, it's homelessness — whatever the case you choose that and you work closely with them. You do something with the crown, it's not just getting free blowdries and free sponsorship deals and collaborations with brands.
'That's where we differ from other pageants or competitions, it's not just about who has the most lifestyle and Instagram posts, or who has the most followers, it's about what you can bring to the table as well.'
Kristine was delighted to do so well.
'When they announced 'Ireland' and I made it into the top 20 I was stunned but delighted,' she smiles.
She adds that mental health is very important to her, and she works with charities like Pieta House, having had experience of being manipulated during her career with other agencies.
'I was manipulated, gaslit, and pressured into legal bindings, and faced stalking, harassment, and exploitation disguised as opportunity,' she reveals.
Kristine says she has also seen how false accusations, courtroom lies, and endless legal battles have robbed children of time with loving parents, causing irreparable damage during the most critical years of development.
'I've watched incredible parents lose precious milestones and moments with their children because the system isn't working.
'I've seen the heartbreak of children pulled back and forth while adults argue in courtrooms, and it's affecting who these children become,' she says.
'It's time we put children first and support parents who are doing everything they can to love and protect their kids.
'It's time we demand systems that work, so families aren't destroyed by lies and delays.'
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